OIDFA

The International Bobbin and Needle Lace Organisation

LACE has an appeal that is truly worldwide. Many lacemakers and lovers of lace belong to organizations that support and encourage the traditions of lacemaking in their own countries. OIDFA is different, indeed unique, in that it is an organization for lacemakers of different countries (currently over 40) with a focus that transcends nationality.

OIDFA’s activities reflect its international focus. The most obvious manifestation of this are the biennial Congresses, which have been held every two years since the first one in Le Puy-en-Velay in 1982. The most recent congress, in June 2016, was held in Ljubljana (Slovenia). The Congress allows lacemakers from all over the world to meet, exhibit their lace, exchange ideas and impart knowledge about their craft. In 2018 the format will be slightly different, with a General Assembly being held in Zaandam, The Netherlands (only 12 minutes by train from Amsterdam).

Between congresses members maintain contact with OIDFA and one another through a quarterly Bulletin containing articles and news.
A further aspect of OIDFA is its Work and Study Groups, which conduct and publish research on lace topics with an international perspective. In our website you will find more about these activities, together with details of how OIDFA is run. And if you are considering joining the organization, you can find full details on the Membership page.